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About this project

Sinister brings something new and exciting to the world of gaming. It is an intuitive plug-and-play peripheral featuring HD haptic feedback (the next generation vibration alternative), interchangeable buttons layouts, and a true analog stick. With the ability to determine how YOU play rather than how TO play, Sinister allows you to take control of your virtual world through the physical manipulation of your controller.

ATTENTION: We have stretch goals and add-ons revealed below. Find out what Sinister has to offer now and is planning for the long run as one of the most advanced and upgradable PC gaming peripherals ever.

Computers and video games have been progressing in power and innovation since they were first conceptualized. PC input devices, on the other hand, have stayed more or less the same. The most common input being the keyboard and mouse combo. Using a keyboard for typing is unparalleled; however, for gaming, the numerous keys can be confusing to new users who are more familiar with an ergonomic handheld controller.

Photo courtesy of Cinema Suite Inc.

The very essence of PCs is the ability to upgrade and customize. Sinister was designed to evolve with your PC so it never becomes a piece of memorabilia. Handheld controller layouts are approachable and memorable, and by incorporating buttons that resemble familiar controller inputs into Sinister, the learning curve is significantly reduced.

Sinister is designed to include multiple features that no other single gaming device has been able to provide in the past. Below we have detailed the innovative aspects that will make Tivitas's inaugural product evolve into the next preferred gaming device.

Tivitas has teamed up with ViviTouch® (a Bayer company) to be the first human interface device using HD haptic feedback. Sinister uses ViviTouch®'s Electroactive Polymer (EAP) to create a new level of vibrational control. Current rumble feedback is always uniform, regardless whether you're firing a gun, revving up an engine, or free falling. RealityLink's delivery system provides an extra dimension to game play, allowing for distinctive differences in haptic feedback that are not possible with basic DC motors. Going beyond the muffled vibration of the current generation to provide incredible haptic feedback.

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Flux Elements are modular buttons that can interchange locations on Sinister's layout. By rearranging the position of the Elements, the controller becomes yours. Matching your preferred play style and hand dexterity. Making you the puppet master.

On-the-fly changes to adapt to game play are made possible with magnetic fast snaps. If the match is going the wrong way, Sinister allows for instant layout changes to position the Elements where you need them to be. These Elements are also replaceable and upgradable to adapt to your play style and game.

Unlike most PC peripherals, Sinister is a plug-and-play device out of the box, no installation of drivers is required.

When you receive your Sinister, simply connecting Sinister to your computer and your mouse to Sinister. Sinister works in conjunction with your mouse inside and outside of your game. With mode switches, you will be able to play any game you have (see mode switches below). The only thing you have to worry about is whether you can stop playing.

Sinister universally accepts any PC game thanks to its Mode Switches. By quickly adjusting the two switches, these four different modes are available:

XInput: Under this mode, Sinister and your mouse work together to simulates an Xbox controller, where the mouse act as the right analog stick. This is also the mode to experience the ViviTouch® powered RealityLink.

DirectInput: For older games that do not support XInput, where the mouse still acts as the right analog stick.

Hybrid mode (XInput with a mouse): This is for a small sample of games, where you can use both XInput mode as well as your regular mouse, so you do not have to switch modes when back in Windows. As a result, we allow the user to play with the speed and flexibility of the mouse while still having the HD feedback from XInput (remember there is no force feedback from a mouse or keyboard).

Emulation Mode: This mode simulates a mouse and keyboard, where the user can map their own button layouts, as well as assign macros.

Console gamers transitioning to PC gaming often find the lack of a true analog stick to be daunting. Its higher precision, greater number of directions, and various degrees of intensity are all greatly advantageous.

However, for all those of you out there who still love your WASD, we've got you! Sinister provides you the option of either use it as a true analog stick, or a directional pad depending on your preference. Allowing you, the user, to decide what you prefer with your Sinister.

Sinister adjusts to the user's needs. Mechanically scaling in size and form to provide the largest range of motion on any controller. This allows multiple users to operate the same device with simple adjustments.

To suit your comfort level, the Element holder can be pivoted from being flat to arched, based on the angle of your hand. The thumb tower can also be positioned in accordance with the length of your thumb. Your controller, your layout.

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If you can plug your mouse into a Windows or Linux based computer; you will be able to use our device. We have begun Alpha testing on Mac with initial success and will be looking at more options as we go forward.

The dimensions of the current model:

We want to bring Sinister to life, and we need your help! Below is a fancy pie chart showing how we will put that $100,000 to good use:

Production cost would be assembly, connectors, injection moulding, and electronics (e.g.PCB).

Some example for the business portion would be certification cost, USB Vendor ID, and office space.

Let's work together to give you a taste of what Tivitas has to offer.

This is a definitely a team
effort. Without the help of everyone we would not be where we are now. Thank you!

Due to overwhelming demand we have revealed add-ons for different button mechanisms to backers. Add the shown amount to your pledge to have the Add-On you want included with your rewards.

As we get closer to passing our goal of $100,000 we will be unlocking new stretch goals for backers. Spread the word and let's make these stretch goals happen.

2014 will be the year of Sinister. The concept behind Sinister was developed in a short span of time. We strive to get the product as far as we could before coming to Kickstarter. If we receive the minimum funding we require, we'll complete the manufacturing of the Sinister Backer Units before the summer of 2014. Giving you the summer to test and let us know your feedback of how we can improve before the final product launch before the holiday season 2014.

We will be sure to keep you updated at what is going on at the office and if you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to ask us!

Sinister needs developmental backer support to bring it into fruition. Tivitas's goal is to create a user centered environment where input is not only considered, but will help shape future objectives. Kickstarter is a perfect avenue for creativeness to prosper. We wanted to be part of the Kickstarter legacy of innovative products being funded by the people who believe in them.

With your help, we will reach $100,000 to unleash Sinister into the world of gaming. Funds will go towards creating Pilot Production models that we can send out to backers. Your feedback will be received and used to make changes to the final mass production models. Sinister will aim to launch at the end of the year. Backer units will ship during the summer of 2014.

Sinister has started making traction around the world because of its use of ViviTouch® and modularity. After appearing at ShowStopper in early January 2014, the comments are flooding in:

FAQ

Our current design shown, is specifically for the left hand. We have received requests regarding a right handed Sinister and are currently investigating if we can make it ambidextrous. This would require significant resource allocation and would not be possible till at least the retail release.

We really want to bring Sinister to as many platforms as we can, anything with a USB port and we should be able to get sinister to work with it. Saying that, with our current budget and schedule, we are focused on Windows and Linux usability. However, our first stretch goal will be Mac and Android compatibility for general release, with alpha and beta support to backers.

The best thing about the Sinister is that there are absolutely no drivers that need to be installed by the user, we did all of that for you already. Another great feature is the ability to perform updates. This means that when a new console comes out (like the Steam console or the new MADCATZ console) we will be able to build the driver and give it to you as a FREE firmware update. Another great thing is that the driver required to update the software on the Sinister is also plug and play. You will never need to install a single driver. Ever. It’s all done for you. Our goal is to provide the world's most compatible game controller with absolutely no need to install drivers on your own, the controller installs everything for you.

The difference between the backer units and the retail units are as following:

1. Backer units = limited edition
2. Retail unit will be modified based on backer’s feedback
3. Backer units will determine future elements
4. Backer units will be mould injected. Therefore, will be as good as store product. With the exception of the 3D printed edition in the $333 pledge reward
5. On Backer units, it will be updatable like the retail ones

We do not have any estimates or MSRP for the retail units as of yet. We will however keep you posted on that. We are waiting on the community to give us feedback before we can take Sinister to manufactures. We will be starting the production process in July for the mass market. That is when we will start to find manufactures in North America

$12 reward

10 backers
Limited (2 left of 12)

THANK YOU WITH A TAIL!: As a special thank you get: ~a hand written thank you note! (We are totally psyched to be sending you guys mail) ~ an awesome portable mouse that just hooks onto your key chain ~ 3 desktop wallpapers ~ AND ~ regular e-mail updates

$85 reward

EARLY BIRD: You know what they say: the early bird catches the worm. You will be able to get:
~ Pilot Sinister (graphite colour) Reg: $120
~ along with e-mail updates
~AND
~ desktop wall paper

Estimated delivery:Jun 2014

Ships anywhere in the world

You selected

$100 reward

59 backers
Limited (441 left of 500)

NIGHT OWL: If you are the type that likes to do research before your pledge, then this is the perfect reward for you! You will be able to get:
~ Pilot Sinister Reg: $120
~ e-mail updates
~AND
~ desktop wall paper

Estimated delivery:Jun 2014

Ships anywhere in the world

You selected

$110 reward

2 backers

FAN FARE: Are you loving the idea of our product?!?! Then here's your chance to help us get this product out there. You will receive:
~ mini controller
~ key chain mouse
~ polo shirt
~ copy of our process book
~ 3 desktop wallpapers
~ e-mail updates
~AND
~ hand written thank you note

Estimated delivery:Jun 2014

Ships anywhere in the world

You selected

$120 reward

3 backers
All gone!

PROTO-SIN: You missed the chance to be the Early Bird and the Night Owl? Don't you worry, you will be able still get it! With this pledge package you will be getting:
~ Pilot Sinister
~ hand written thank you note
~ desktop wallpaper
~AND
~ e-mail updates

Estimated delivery:Jun 2014

Ships anywhere in the world

You selected

$120 reward

41 backers

PROTO - SIN: Be like your EARLY BIRD and NIGHT OWL backers, be one of the few with a limited edition backer unit. You'll be getting ~ Pilot Sinister ~ 3 desktop wallpapers ~ e-mail updates ~ AND ~ your choice of an ABXY Element from our future design (will be shipped after Pilot Sinister, free of charge!)

$2,000 reward

7 backers

GOD PAD: You are great, fantastic, and everything good under the sun. You will be able to work with our designers to create your own 3D printed Flux Element set. You will be getting: Pilot Sinister (graphite) ~custom designed Flux Elements ~ Spawn of Sinister ~ key chain mouse ~ polo shirt ~ hand written thank you ~ e-mail updates ~AND~ 3 desktop wallpapers.